Candidates who are blind or visually impaired and/or deaf or hard of hearing are encouraged to apply for this position and may be given preference in hiring as permitted by federal laws. Information related to disability is not required, and if disclosed voluntarily, will be used only in AIDB’s efforts to create opportunities for individuals with exceptionalities. Non-disclosure will not subject any applicant to adverse treatment.
POSITION: Computer Applications/Assistive Technology Specialist
LOCATION: E. H. Gentry Facility
ABOUT ALABAMA INSTITUTE FOR DEAF AND BLIND (AIDB)
Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) is the world’s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation, and service program serving individuals of all ages who are Deaf, Blind, DeafBlind, multidisabled, and their families. Founded in 1858, AIDB serves more than 30,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults, and senior citizens with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year.
Our services span a lifetime and include five campuses in Talladega, a statewide network of regional centers, Early Intervention services, traditional and nontraditional educational opportunities in residential, day, and outreach settings, and a manufacturing facility known as Alabama Industries for the Blind (AIB), the state’s largest employer of adults who are Blind. AIDB’s three K-12 schools — Alabama School for the Blind, Alabama School for the Deaf, and Helen Keller School of Alabama — provide specialized educational services that empower students to achieve their full potential.
Our employees are among the organization’s most valuable assets and resources. We share a commitment to leveling the playing field for all. Our mission makes AIDB a unique place to work.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Assistive Technology Specialist provides training, both locally and via various distance learning technologies, to individuals and groups across Alabama. They will be responsible for curriculum development and managing various delivery platforms. They will develop lesson plans, attend and initiate staffings, and document attendance and progress. They will also serve as an assistive technology consultant, advising and providing technical assistance. This person will develop new training opportunities to enhance and meet the current needs of the department. They will also provide leadership and support to the Assistive Technology Trainers. This person must have a passion for working with students, staff, and community partners. From assessment to goal achievement, this person will document services in a timely manner. Communication with students, staff, and our partner organizations is a vital part of this position with strong writing, speaking, and public relations skills required.
ABOUT YOU
You are a highly communicative and tech-savvy specialist with a strong passion for leveling the playing field for individuals with vision loss. You are deeply committed to professional growth, possessing the capability to earn specialized certifications in technology and Braille competency. This will be accomplished as you display excellent interpersonal skills, exercise individual initiative, and meet the unique needs of our students.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Basic Qualifications
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High School Diploma or equivalent.
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One (1) year of experience in using assistive technology for individuals who are blind, low vision, and/or DeafBlind.
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One (1) year of experience with a learning management system.
Preferred Qualifications
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Post-secondary training in one of the following fields: Assistive Technology, computer science, Computer Technology, Information, and Technology Training, or related technology field.
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Two (2) years of successful work experience in technology; including direct and remote teaching, learning management system (LMS) management, and curriculum development.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Training & Curriculum
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Deliver high-quality instruction to individuals and groups through both local, in-person instruction and distance learning technologies.
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Design, update, and manage accessible curriculum and learning materials using appropriate educational methodologies for individuals with visual impairments.
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Manage, evaluate, and optimize various training delivery platforms to maintain effective instruction.
Planning & Documentation
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Develop structured, individualized lesson plans tailored from initial assessment through to goal achievement.
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Initiate and participate in regular team staffing sessions to coordinate client services and progress strategy.
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Maintain timely and accurate documentation of attendance, service delivery, and progress metrics.
Consultation & Leadership
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Serve as an Assistive Technology (AT) consultant, delivering specialized technical assistance across CCTVs, screen magnifiers, screen readers, Braille translation, and OCR software.
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Identify department needs and design new training programs to expand team capabilities and service offerings.
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Provide leadership, mentoring, and direct support to Assistive Technology Trainers.
Communication & Outreach
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Maintain proactive, clear, and professional written and verbal communication with students, staff, and community partners.
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Apply strong public relations and interpersonal skills to represent the program and foster key organizational relationships.
Position Qualifications & Certification Requirements
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Braille Competency: Achieve a score of 80% or higher on the AIDB Braille Skills Assessment inventory within the first twenty-four (24) months of employment.
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Software Certification: Earn official Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification within twenty-four (24) months of employment.
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Technical Expertise: Demonstrate advanced proficiency in the MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and practical expertise with large-print AT software, hardware, and adaptive devices.
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Professional Expectations: Display maturity, self-motivation, sound judgment, excellent organizational skills, and a collaborative team orientation.
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Continuous Development: Actively research emerging adaptive technologies/software and participate in special workshops, conferences, and skill upgrades.
Upon offer of employment, the applicant must submit to a fingerprint background check at an agency designated and paid by AIDB. This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job goals, qualifications, and responsibilities, and the employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned.
Salary
Scale MR Rank 4A (High School Diploma) $36,297.00 - $53,505.00
Scale MR Rank 4B (Bachelor's Degree) $41,391.00 - $62,775.30
Scale MR Rank 4M (Master's Degree) $43,353.45 - $65,704.80
230 DAYS
Direct deposit is required
